8 Steps To Write a Remote Work Policy

Photo by FreepikWorking remotely is no longer a trend or an innovative form of performing on your job. It’s become a standard, especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when a huge number of employees switched to home-based offices. The truth is, more and more companies are embracing remote work as a permanent standard and an opportunity to find more talent, reduce costs, and improve their results. This is why every company should have a written remote work policy.

If you need to write a remote work policy but aren’t sure how to do it, just keep reading. Below, you’ll find all the information along with our 8-step instructions on how to do it easily. Let’s take a closer look.

What is a Remote Work Policy?

Before we switch to the writing part, let’s first define what a remote work policy actually is. A remote work policy is a written document that defines:

• the rights of remote workers
• what is expected from them
• what set of rules they need to follow
• what the company is obliged to provide them

So, a remote work policy will define both the responsibilities and the rights of remote workers in a company. It’ll also help them understand what the company is about, what their role in the company is, and how are they supposed to contribute to reaching company goals.

8 Steps to Write a Remote Work Policy

Now that you understand exactly what a remote work policy is, it’s time to show you how to write it successfully. We’ve prepared a step-by-step guide that’ll lead you through the process until you have a professionally written remote work policy.

Here are the 8 steps you should take.

1. Company Policies and Rules that Apply

   First things first, there are certain rules and policies that apply to all company employees, regardless of the location they’re working from. You must remind your remote workers that they’re not excused from any of these policies.

   So, make sure to list all the policies that still apply, even when working remotely. For example:

   • confidentiality agreement
   • code of conduct
   • attendance policy
   • code of ethics
   • sexual harassment policy
   • etc.

   Be explicit about the company policies that remote workers have to abide by.

2. Define Communication Strategies

   When your employees are working remotely, you have to pay special attention to establishing solid communication with them. You can’t let them keep you in the dark, or vice versa. You need to keep in touch regularly and this should be a part of your remote work policy.

   That means you should define communication strategies and rules such as:

   • regular daily updates via email
   • weekly live team meetings
   • weekly one-on-one meetings
   • monthly reports and feedback
   • team collaboration tools

   Also, set rules about how quickly they’re expected to answer emails or calls. Let them know what their communication obligations are during the weekend.

   Set a communication schedule and ask them to stick to it. 

3. Define the Tools

   Working remotely requires that the employee has certain tools and equipment at home, in order to do their job properly. Define those tools to make sure each employee meets this standard.

   Those tools might include:

   • a computer
   • strong internet connection
   • access to certain software, programs, or technical tools
   • security system
   • etc.

   Define those tools in your remote work policy.

4. Create Work Plans & Goals

   Working remotely can be stressful if there’s a lack of guidance and support from the superiors. That’s why your remote work policy needs to include work plans for remote workers that’ll help them perform at their maximum.

   Work plans are assignments, goals, and objectives that the remote workers are expected to achieve. That means you should:

   • set clear goals
   • provide information about their tasks
   • set deadlines
   • let them know exactly what their assignments are
   • help prevent burnout 

   Your remote work policy should explain the type of work plans you’ll be distributing and their importance.

5. Define KPIs You’ll Measure

   In order to have your employees working hard on completing their tasks successfully, you should explain what key performance indicators (KPIs) will you be using to measure their success.

   Let them know:

   • what metrics you’ll be using to assess their work
   • how often will you do it
   • what is expected from each remote role

   For example, a remote social media specialist’s success will be measured in the number of new followers, reach, or ROI on social media ads. On the other hand, a content writer’s success will be measured in the number of words published within a certain period.

   Define the KPIs to help them reach their objectives.

6. Discuss Security Measures

   Employees who are working remotely are still responsible for establishing maximum security and confidentiality when it comes to company-related data and information.

   Define the security standards they have to meet:

   • understanding the confidentiality agreement 
   • VPNs
   • security software
   • data storage
   • secure passwords

   Help them reach the desired security standard and keep confidential information secure.

7. Lay Out Their Rights

   Remote workers need to know what are their rights in the company and what benefits they’ll receive. Define it in the remote work policy. It can include:

   • health insurance
   • maternity leave
   • holidays and days off
   • compensation for office-related costs
   • etc.

   Tell them their rights and help them feel safe and sound working for you.

8. Regularly Review Your Policy

   Once you write your remote work policy, know that it’s not the end of it. As time goes by, new issues, questions, or changes will arise. That’s why you’ll be revising your remote work policy from time to time.

   Also, make sure to write it like a professional. There are professional writing companies that can help you edit, proofread, or rewrite this professional document if you think you need a hand.

Final Thoughts

Writing a remote work policy benefits both the employers and the employees. It sets ground rules and helps everyone understand what is expected from them.

Use the 8 steps we’ve listed above to write an informative and effective remote work policy. It will help you establish a professional relationship with your remote workers, and ensure they’re working responsibly and efficiently. 

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About the Author
Jessica Fender is a professional writer and educational blogger at GetGoodGrade, an aggregator for useful college resources and websites. Jessica enjoys sharing her ideas to make writing and learning fun.